Author Visits

Presenting to readers, both young and not so young, fuels Maggie to create more books. It’s one of her favorite things to do.

As a former teacher, Maggie loves tailoring her visits to align with classroom curriculum, students’ current interests and needs, or event themes. Her presentations are customized for any grade—pre-K through 12th, college, and adult book clubs, too! They’re fun, engaging, interactive, feature live drawings, and can be virtual or in-person if local to Orange County or Los Angeles.

She usually opens with a reading and concludes with Q&A. In between, she can cover one or a few of the following:

• social and emotional topics, compassion and self-esteem

• cultural and ethnic identity

• creative process—my steps of making a book from manuscript writing to sketches to final art

• revision process when writing and illustrating a book, working with editors, challenges and benefits of receiving feedback

• my top author tips for young writers

• live drawing where audience can participate

• varied topics where Maggie receives a group’s burning questions beforehand and she tailors a presentation just for them.

Writing Workshop: Telling Our Stories
In addition to one-time author visits, Maggie offers a workshop that invites students to write personal narratives exploring identity or cultural experience. They’ll learn storytelling techniques like sensory detail, dialogue, and strong openings/endings. Final stories can be bound into a book for the school library—with a special introduction written by Maggie for the students.

Book signings are possible and encouraged with in-person visits. Signed bookplates are available for virtual visits.

For rates and availability please contact her here.

Past Author Visits

Schools

• Hamilton Park Montessori School – NJ

• Park Ridge Roosevelt School – IL

• Curtis Elementary School – CA

• Burlington Elementary School – MA

• Burlington High School – MA

• Westchester Elementary School – GA

• Mound View Elementary – WA

• Willard Elementary School – IL

• Bannockburn School – IL

• Seven Arrows School – CA

• Wichita Collegiate School – KS

• Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School – VA

• St. Mark’s School – CA

• Taipei American School – Taiwan

Literacy Events & Festivals

• FAB Long Beach AAPI Literary Festival – CA

• Picture Book Palooza – Online/Multiple Schools

• Best of Stack – Online Literary Platform

• Reach Out and Read of Greater New York – NY

• The King Center – GA

• An Open Book Foundation – DC

• Wichita Educators Book Club – KS

Bookstores & Book Events

• The Book Stall – IL

• Books of Wonder – NY

• Third Place Books – WA

• Vroman’s Bookstore – CA

• WORD Bookstore – NJ

What educators are saying about Maggie’s school and library visits:

“Today's visit was truly outstanding! Your presentation was interactive, engaging, and stirred an enthusiasm for writing which served to be contagious for my grade 1 writers. Additionally, the students loved the books, which I'm sure will serve as a meaningful keepsake. Your presentation is certain to make a strong academic impact for our students.”
— K-5th Grade Librarian, NYC

“WOW! Maggie Chang is great. I thought it was age-appropriate and engaging. Thank you for arranging it. What a special treat!"
— Kindergarten Teacher, Taipei American School

“Maggie's sessions with our students were lovely and engaging. She covered many fascinating details about her process, while also inviting students to consider social emotional aspects of her characters and how they might relate. Students saw their own experiences reflected in her stories and presentation and had truly thoughtful conversations afterwards. We enjoyed every minute. Her books now have even more wide appeal to both our younger and older elementary students. Thank you!”
— 3rd-5th Grade Librarian, Taipei American School

“Maggie P. Chang's sessions impacted our students positively and personally. Her lessons incorporated hands-on creativity and covered various topics. These topics included the creative process and the importance of revision—the impact of kindness and standing up for others. Maggie's books taught students the importance of diversity, culture, and loving yourself for who you are.”
— Library and Digital Media Specialist, Curtis Elementary School, Los Angeles

“The students loved Maggie's book and learning about her writing and art making process. Maggie shared about her personal life and journey and how she published her book. The students asked Maggie questions about her inspiration for her book and if the character was based on her life. She shared about her life and upbringing and was a great role model for the students. Thank you again for your great talk, Maggie!”
— High School Art Teacher, Burlington, MA